www.wbbjtv.com/NewsStories/090806ChildAdvocacyCenterHel -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 8/6/2009
Last Visited: 8/7/2009
Director Lisa Schmidt said, "The idea behind child advocacy centers is to reduce the trauma associated with [abuse].
To bring the child to a home-like, friendly, neutral setting, where they can tell their story to one person."
The child is interviewed by one person in a room with a camera where investigators can watch in a nearby room.
That way, the victim only has to share his or her story once.
Schmidt said, "We provide on site medical exams for children so that, again, we're trying to help reduce the trauma associated with those exams."
The center helps the victim from the very beginning until far after the investigation is complete, through therapy and children groups.
Just last year alone the Child Advocacy Center helped more than 300 child abuse victims.
If you are wondering what kind of difference you could make, Schmidt said there are plenty of opportunities to help.